How the Philippines missed a Korean gambling racket worth US$3.8 billion
The Philippines spent years dismantling Chinese-linked gambling compounds in dramatic, headline-grabbing raids. But all the while, and with far less scrutiny, South Korean syndicates were building a parallel industry worth billions of US dollars – one that a spate of...
White House teleprompter operator fined, forfeits winnings for betting on Trump’s words
A former White House teleprompter operator accused of using inside knowledge to make bets on the prediction market Kalshi has been ordered to turn over more than US$100,000 in profits and pay a US$65,000 fine as part of a settlement with federal authorities. The...
China hospital joins nightclubs in offering marriage services to fight low wedding rates
Following temples and nightclubs, a Chinese bank and a hospital have recently begun offering marriage registration services, igniting discussions on the Chinese government’s commitment to promoting nuptials. In August, a branch of the Postal Savings Bank of China,...
Hong Kong’s long-term wealth hub status safe from mainland investment curbs: JPMorgan exec
Beijing’s recent curbs on cross-border investment and a tax shift targeting overseas insurance gains may create short-term uncertainty, but they will not undermine Hong Kong’s long-term competitiveness as a major wealth management hub, according to a senior executive...
Indians turn to AI gurus for answers: ‘ChatGPT is not judging you’
When Kripa Vaidyanathan’s 27-year-old niece died in an Alaska car crash in 2024, her family in Chennai, India, felt shell-shocked. They questioned why this tragedy would befall them when they had such “immense faith in God”. Vaidyanathan, a yoga instructor, helped her...
Taipei’s debt hardball carries a clear warning for its remaining allies
In contemporary discourse, the bogeyman of “debt traps” is almost exclusively tied to Beijing. Western media, think tanks, NGOs and policymakers from Washington to Brussels frequently warn developing nations of the perils of bilateral loans from China. Yet, Grenada’s...
Visa policy brings in more foreigners on short-term jobs and HK$20,000 salaries
About 80 per cent of the foreign nationals granted working visas under Hong Kong’s General Employment Policy (GEP) last year were hired on short-term contracts, while nearly half of successful applicants earned less than HK$20,000 (US$2,564) a month. According to the...
US-China AI rivalry needn’t preclude cooperation
China-Nepal floods: rescuers pull out survivors caked in mud as toll climbs
Trump orders creation of US ‘Space Academy’, amid rivalry with China
Russia’s Starlink Killer Leaves Ukraine Fighting Blind – Expert
As Iran war hits six-month mark, Trump says he’s ‘not in a hurry’
Putin to Hold Talks With Xi on August 31 in Bishkek – Kremlin Aide
Social Media and the Myth of the Big Tobacco Moment
Russia Strikes Deep in Kiev Region, Obliterating Flamingo Rocket Chemical Plant – MoD
Lavrov Holds Phone Conversation With Brazilian Foreign Minister – Russian MFA





